By Francis Ontomwa,

Before the onset of this year’s Maseno Opens 19th edition commenced, no one would think or visualize a school from ‘nowhere ‘would rival traditional big names that had registered for football in the two day event hosted at Maseno School. This was an event whose participants included former national secondary schools football champions such as Kisii High School, St. Anthonys Kitale and not to forget an experienced side of Maseno University all in same cooking.

St. Jan’s Academy from Kisumu will remain in the lips of many after their breathtaking feat at the events. The school rivaled opponents to the apex of things humbling hosts, Maseno School by a solitary goal to be crowned the kings. Sensational forward Nicholas Oduor scored the all important goal in the 14th minute of the deadly clash. Others who caused ripples from the side included Calvince Ochieng’ and Francis Otieno. One of their key players, Jesper Steen is on exchange programme from Norway and played a major role in their success in the tourney.

“I am impressed beyond my imaginations! I knew I had a good side but certainly never contemplated we could go this far, I owe everything to God” observed their coach Godwin Kabaka after their triumph. The school’s campaign started on a low tone with a goalless draw with Ulumbi High School in the preliminary stages. And as the temperatures upped, they found themselves in contention with an even more formidable side of defending champions Maseno University in the quarter finals and here they didn’t falter.

They beat the university students 1-0 to proceed to the semis. An equally good side, Raila Educational Center nearly spoilt their campaign but this was not to be. They unleashed their claws to wallop them 4-1 in post match penalties that were to decide who goes to the finals.

Located below Riat Hills, opposite Kisumu International Airport the little known school has a population of 123 students and is a mixed private Christian school sponsored by International Fellowship Kenya (INTERFELK). The school mainly draws students from the streets and most of them are orphans who are under the auspices of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).

According to the school’s deputy principal, Samuel Otiende, who was present to witness his boys walk over perennial contenders, sports and especially football is changing the lives of the youngsters “I have seen these kids from since we picked them from the streets to where they are now and I can confirm that through their engagement in sports, their lives are changing positively” he told Kenyanstar in an interview.

Away from posting good results in sports, the school also boasts of having an impressive academic record. Last year’s top candidate Sarah Aketch scored an outstanding A grade and was ranked 84 nationally. And as the secondary school championships waits to start soon, St. Jan’s Academy has already sent a strong message to opponents that they need to watch out!

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